The theory-practice gap in nursing: from research-based practice to practitioner-based research

Area of Science:

• Nursing Science
• Clinical Research
• Healthcare Practice

Background:

• Nursing research traditionally focuses on knowledge generation, often through a sociological lens.
• The current emphasis on research-based practice, while aiming to bridge the theory-practice gap, can inadvertently widen it.
• Mental health nursing exemplifies challenges in applying generalizable knowledge to unique patient needs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To argue that the application of generalized research findings contributes to the theory-practice gap in nursing.
• To propose a complementary research paradigm focused on clinical practice and the individual therapeutic encounter.
• To advocate for practitioner-based research conducted by nurses to enhance clinical decision-making.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of nursing research paradigms.
• Examination of the theory-practice gap using examples, primarily from mental health nursing.
• Argumentation for a shift towards clinical research focused on the nurse-patient relationship.

Main Results:

• The application of generalizable, research-based knowledge is identified as a primary cause of the theory-practice gap.
• A need for a clinical research paradigm complementing the existing sociological paradigm is highlighted.
• The importance of the individual nurse-patient encounter as the focus of research is emphasized.

Conclusions:

• Nursing requires a paradigm shift towards clinical research that prioritizes the individual therapeutic encounter.
• Practitioner-based research, conducted by nurses, is crucial for effective knowledge translation and practice improvement.
• Clinical research must focus on the unique nurse-patient relationship to meaningfully impact nursing practice.